IRCTC launches E-Pantry service on 25 trains: Here’s how railway passengers can book online meal
IRCTC Food Booking Online: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its E-Pantry meal booking service for passengers, with the facility currently available on 25 Mail and Express trains.
IRCTC launches E-Pantry service, Indian Railway Train Online food Booking: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its E-Pantry meal booking service for passengers, with the facility currently available on 25 Mail and Express trains. Initially, the e-pantry service was introduced on the Vivek Express (Train Nos. 22503/04).
In a statement, the IRCTC said: “IRCTC has launched E-Pantry meal booking facility for the convenience of the Mail/Express train passengers, the trains wherein meals are not included in ticket fare.”
The IRCTC E-Pantry service is a digitally enabled solution to pre-book meals on select trains with pantry cars. With introduction of E-Pantry service on Mail/Express Trains, passengers can now travel hassle free with their meals booked in advance.
Who are eligible for IRCTC E-Pantry service?
According to IRCTC, the IRCTC E-Pantry service will be applicable for passengers with confirmed, RAC, or partially confirmed tickets to pre-order standard meals and Rail Neer, delivered directly to their seats by pantry car staff.
Passengers can easily pre-book a Standard Meal or Rail Neer online, ensuring meal delivery during their journey.
Cashless Payment
Payments can be made online via digital payment methods, eliminating the need for cash transactions during travel.
Verified Delivery
A Meal Verification Code (MVC) is used to confirm that the meals are delivered to the correct passenger.
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Transparency & Trackability
All meal orders are managed through digital dashboards, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and compliance with tax regulations.
Refund for Non-Delivery
If a meal is not delivered as per the booking, passengers are entitled to a refund. Cancellation and refund details will be communicated through Email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Booking: Passengers can select the E-Pantry meal option during the booking process on the IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in), either from the confirmation page or the “Booked Ticket History” section.
Confirmation: After booking, passengers receive a confirmation message and a Meal Verification Code (MVC) via SMS or email.
Meal Delivery: On the day of travel, passengers share the MVC with the vendor, who delivers the pre-ordered meal directly to their seat.
Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors.
Professional Journey
Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com.
Education & Expertise
Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities:
Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University
Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication
Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta
Areas of Coverage
Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More